Federal court strikes down North Carolina Voter ID law

Wide-ranging legislation to make voting in North Carolina more difficult was struck down last week by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Common Cause North Carolina is among the plaintiffs that challenged the constitutionality of that law.

The three-judge panel overturned North Carolina's voter ID requirement, reinstated same-day voter registration, restored a week to the state’s early voting period and restored out-of-precinct voting. It also restored a program that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to register so they become eligible to vote automatically when they turn 18.

"Today's decision is a big win for all North Carolina voters and a victory for everyone who believes in an inclusive democracy,” said Common Cause North Carolina Executive Director Bob Phillips. “The restrictions enacted by the legislature hurt North Carolinians by creating unnecessary and discriminatory barriers to voting. This decision is a vital step in returning North Carolina to its position as a national leader on voting rights and equal access to the polls."